ICT & Telecom
AI-powered Ad Network 'AdZoic' launched in Bangladesh
AdZoic, an AI-powered programmatic ad-buying platform, has been officially launched, marking a new chapter in the country's advertising market and digital marketing landscape.
ChatGPT, Claude and Grok go down simultaneously; Microsoft Azure comes under scrutiny
Several of the world’s leading artificial intelligence services experienced disruptions almost simultaneously on Thursday, leaving millions of users around the world unable to access or properly use the platforms.
Five-SIM limit proposed per NID, 40m connections at risk
The government is considering reducing the maximum number of SIM cards that can be registered against a single National Identity Card (NID) from 10 to five, a move that could result in the deactivation of up to 40 million connections, according to mobile operators.
BSCPLC rejects fear of bandwidth crisis
Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCPLC) has informed that the total bandwidth capacity of the state-owned submarine cables will be upgraded to 41,000 Gbps by 2027. The company claimed that this capacity will be sufficient to meet the growing bandwidth demand of the country.
Bangladesh relies on two submarine cables, internet price to drop 50 percent with new connection
Bangladesh remains dependent mainly on two government submarine cables — SMW-4 and SMW-5 — even as neighbouring countries connect one after another to double-digit numbers of international submarine cables. India has 19, Malaysia 23, Thailand 12 and the Philippines 19 international submarine cable connections, while Bangladesh remains stuck with only two. This gap between limited capacity and growing demand has raised concern, with sector stakeholders saying the country's digital economy could face major obstacles in the coming decade if new connections are not added on time. They believe new submarine cables would raise the country's internet usage rate by 20-30 percent, which could bring down internet prices by up to 50 percent.
Robi completes network upgrade, claims strongest connectivity in Dhaka
Robi Axiata PLC. has completed a comprehensive modernization of its mobile network across greater Dhaka, setting a new benchmark for connectivity in the country’s most data-intensive market, said a press release. According to the press note, with only a handful of districts now in the final stage of upgrade, Dhaka customers are already experiencing faster data, sharper voice quality and stronger indoor coverage.
Connectivity alone not enough, quality internet crucial: BTRC
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major General (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari has said that simply having internet connectivity does not bridge the digital divide. The lack of quality internet is now creating a major digital gap. The concept of the digital divide is changing with the times, he said, emphasising the need to ensure quality and effective internet access for all.
DU Confucius Institute to operate as Huawei ICT Academy
The Confucius Institute at the University of Dhaka (CIDU) will operate as a Huawei ICT Academy under a new partnership aimed at equipping students with practical skills in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Adviser highlights five priorities including telecom tax reduction
Prime Minister's Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology, Rehan Asif Asad, has outlined five government priorities: reducing the tax burden in the telecommunications sector, improving mobile and broadband service quality, building robust digital infrastructure, creating AI-skilled manpower, and expanding electronics production.
Two new cyber portals launched to boost security
In a significant step toward safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure, Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), banking systems, and rapidly growing cashless economy against cyber threats, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has launched two new centralized digital platforms.